Mercedes “Meche” Cacho. Courtesy photo.
CAMARILLO — Mercedes “Meche” Cacho, a student at Cal State Channel Islands (CSUCI), has been named a 2026-2027 Newman Civic Fellow in recognition of her leadership and commitment to creating positive change in communities.
Cacho joins a cohort of student civic leaders from 39 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico selected by Campus Compact, a national coalition of colleges and universities working to advance the public purposes of higher education.
The Newman Civic Fellowship is a yearlong program that recognizes students who stand out for their leadership potential and commitment to creating positive change in communities. The fellowship is named for the late Frank Newman, one of Campus Compact’s founders, who was a tireless advocate for civic engagement in higher education. In the spirit of Dr. Newman’s leadership, each fellow is nominated by their campus president or chancellor, who is invited to select one exemplary community-committed student from their campus each year.
Cacho is a student leader at CSUCI committed to advancing social justice, particularly around immigration and educational equity. As a Sociology major, Cacho connects her academic work to real-world challenges, engaging peers in critical conversations and community-based action. She has taken on multiple leadership roles, including Co-Chair of MEChA, Vice President of the Sociology Club, Co-lead of the Liberation Education Club, and a leader in Students for Quality Education.
Beyond campus, Cacho works closely with community organizations like VC Defensa and the 805 Rapid Response Network. She has helped coordinate Know Your Rights trainings and rapid-response efforts to support immigrant communities facing urgent challenges. Through her work, she not only addresses immediate needs but also contributes to broader efforts aimed at challenging systemic inequality.
“Mercedes exemplifies the spirit of the Newman Civic Fellowship through her sustained, thoughtful, and courageous commitment to addressing systemic inequities,” said Interim President Susan Andrzejewski.
“She connects her passion for educational equity and social justice to purposeful action, applying what she learns in the classroom to support immigrant communities and engage her peers. Her work reminds us that a Cal State Channel Islands education prepares students for their own futures, while also empowering them to strengthen the communities around them.”
Through the fellowship, Campus Compact provides students with learning and networking opportunities that help to nurture their development as civic leaders. Programming emphasizes personal, professional, and civic growth that can empower them to collaborate effectively across disciplines and create large-scale positive change.
The cornerstone of the fellowship is the Annual Convening of Newman Civic Fellows, which offers intensive in-person skill-building and networking over three days. The fellowship also provides fellows with pathways to apply for exclusive opportunities, including mini grants to help fund community projects, scholarships, and post-graduate opportunities.
“This group of exceptional students from campuses across the country is such a welcomed addition to the Newman Civic Fellowship,” said Campus Compact President Bobbie Laur. “Now more than ever, it is an honor to recognize student leaders who are applying themselves as changemakers and creating positive impact in their communities. This is just the start of their lifelong journeys as Newman Civic Fellows, and I couldn’t be more excited to watch them continue to grow and pursue their passions.”
Learn more at compact.org/newman-civic-fellowship. You can read more about each of the student leaders selected for this year’s cohort at compact.org/current-programs/newman-civic-fellowship/newman-civic-fellows.
About Cal State Channel Islands
Cal State Channel Islands (CSUCI) is Ventura County’s only public university. Opened in 2002, CSUCI is part of the California State University — the nation’s largest and most diverse four-year public university system. Located near Camarillo, the campus serves more than 4,800 students across more than 90 academic programs. A proud Hispanic-Serving Institution, CSUCI is recognized by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education for its commitment to excellence and opportunity. Learn more atwww.csuci.edu or follow @csuci on social media.